How To Get a Degree in Human Resources

Understanding Human Resource Management

What Is Human Resource Management

Human resource management is essential to building and maintaining a successful organization. From recruiting top talent to shaping workplace culture, HR professionals play a crucial role in business operations.

If you're interested in a career in human resource management, explore degree programs that may serve as a stepping stone to your goals.

Choosing the Right Human Resources Degree

Factors To Consider When Choosing an HR Program

Before taking the plunge into higher education, it's important to know what you're looking for in a college or university.

• Rasmussen University is accredited¹ by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. None of Rasmussen University’s School of Business programs are programmatically accredited.
• Curriculum: Find programs that provide a comprehensive education in HR principles and practices. The human resources and organizational leadership program² from Rasmussen University offers 23 courses to complete featuring classes to help round out your HR knowledge, such as Law and Ethics for the Human Resource Professional, Strategic HR Management and Compensation Administration. The curriculum in Rasmussen University’s Human Resources and Organizational Leadership Bachelor’s Degree program aligns with the standards of the Society for Human Resources Management^® (SHRM^®) and the HR Certification Institute^® (HRCI^®).
• Faculty: Search for academic programs with experienced and knowledgeable faculty.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
• Location: Consider the location of the program, including online options. Rasmussen's human resource and organizational leadership bachelor's degree is fully online with in-person options for support.

Human Resources and Organizational Leadership Degree Requirements

Overview of Human Resources Bachelor's Degree Program

The human resource management and organizational leadership bachelor's degree from Rasmussen University offers a "career-focused curriculum and practical, real-world experience."

Students in an HR degree program may:

• Learn key HR management and leadership principles.
• Participate in a capstone course
• Attend live, interactive lectures.
• Take flexible, self-paced courses.

Applying for an HR Bachelor’s Degree Program

Before enrolling for the bachelor's degree in human resources at Rasmussen University, students should hold an associate degree³ from an accredited university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or students must have completed 60 quarter or 40 semester credits earning grades of a C or higher. There is no background check required. Transfer students are also encouraged to inquire about the program.

Other enrollment requirements may vary. Discuss your future with an admissions advisor to ensure that the HR program at Rasmussen aligns with your personal and professional career goals.

Continuing Education and Certification

Advancing Your Career With a Human Resources Degree

Through Rasmussen's HR bachelor's degree program, students will take courses to prepare them for the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional certification exam.

This program meets the academic requirements to sit for the following HR Certification Institute^® certification examinations:

• Associate Professional in Human Resources^® (aPHR^®)
• Professional in Human Resources^® (PHR^®)
• Senior Professional Human Resources^® (SPHR^®). Additional requirements, such as work experience in an HR role may be required to sit for the PHR and SPHR examinations.

Eligible students enrolled in Rasmussen University’s Human Resources and Organizational Leadership Bachelor’s Degree program may elect to substitute specific master’s-level courses for certain bachelor’s-level courses.

Preparing for a Career in Human Resources

Key Skills for Human Resources Professionals

Key skills⁴ for HR professionals include:

• Communication: Writing, speaking, and listening effectively to employees, company leaders, and stakeholders.
• Interpersonal skills: Collaborating with diverse teams and building professional relationships.
• Leadership skills: Managing HR departments, overseeing responsibilities, and organizing work events.
• Organizational skills: Prioritizing tasks and managing multiple responsibilities efficiently.

• Data analysis: Interpret data in staffing, compensation and benefits, and rewards.
• Law and ethics: Oversee and evaluate behavior and compliance with labor laws, safety, corporate and social responsibility.
• Strategic organizational leadership: Ensure that HR is aligned with organizational objectives and goals.
• Training and development: Overseeing the employee lifecycle from recruiting and training to professional development.

Human Resources Career Opportunities

Career Paths With a Human Resources Degree

There are many career opportunities to pursue with an HR degree. A few to consider may include:

• HR manager: Oversees planning, coordination of administrative functions to recruit, interview and hire staff and provide strategic guidance to management.
• Benefits coordinator: Manages employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness initiatives. Ensures compliance with regulations, assists employees with benefits inquiries, and tracks enrollment and changes.
• Human resource generalist: Handles a wide range of HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, policy implementation, and compliance. Provides support to staff and management in all HR-related areas.
• Training and development specialist: Designs, implements, and evaluates training programs to improve employee skills and performance. Identifies learning needs, develops materials, and conducts workshops to enhance organizational growth and employee development.

What Comes Next

Ready to take the next step in your HR career? Explore a bachelor's degree in human resources and organizational leadership² at Rasmussen University to see if it's the right next step in your career journey.

Society for Human Resource Management^® is a registered trademark of Society for Human Resource Management 1800 Duke Street Alexandria, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 22314
HR Certification Institute^® is a registered trademark of HUMAN RESOURCE CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE, INC. 1725 DUKE STREET ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 22314
aPHR^® is a registered trademark of Human Resource Certification Institute, Inc. 1725 DUKE STREET ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 22314
Associate Professional in Human Resources^® is a registered trademark of Human Resource Certification Institute, Inc. 1725 DUKE STREET ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 22314
Professional in Human Resources^® is a registered trademark of HUMAN RESOURCE CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE, INC. 1725 DUKE STREET ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 22314
PHR^® is a registered trademark of HUMAN RESOURCE CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE, INC. 1725 DUKE STREET ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 22314
SPHR^® is a registered trademark of HUMAN RESOURCE CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE, INC. 1725 DUKE STREET ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 22314
Senior Professional in Human Resources^® is a registered trademark of HUMAN RESOURCE CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE, INC. 1725 DUKE STREET ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 22314

¹Accredited by the Higher Learning Commissionhlcommission.org | 800-621-7440 Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
²Rasmussen University. "Bachelor's Degree in HR and Organizational Leadership."https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/business/hr-organizational-leadership/bachelors/.
³Rasmussen University. "Associate's Degree in HR and Organizational Leadership."https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/business/hr-organizational-leadership/associates/.
⁴Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Managers.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm#tab-4